Quite a bit of work, both construction and financial, lie ahead. However, if things go as planned the facility should be completed by late next year.
Showing posts with label Mike Thomas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike Thomas. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ground Breaking For Bubble
Ironically on a rainy day the University broke ground on the new practice facility that includes a practice dome, or bubble. Athletic Director Mike Thomas, Brian Kelly and several players were on hand for the big event. It took place near the storage barns on Jefferson Ave where the facility will be built. Three important facts about this. First off, the money for this project is still being raised, it's not bought and paid for yet. Secondly, this will not take money away from academic side of the school, it's all private funds. Last but not least, this facility is for the entire university not just football. All sports will use it, as will the student body for intramurals and other programs.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
BK TO STAY!!!!!
The normal routine for the weekly press conference is to discuss the future opponent, today the discussion was about the future of UC football...and it includes Brian Kelly! A meeting was held earlier in the day between Coach Kelly, Athletic Director Mike Thomas, UC President Nancy Zimpher, and UC Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Wyler. The future of UC football was the basis for the meeting and at the end it includes some structural upgrades and Biran Kelly as the head coach.
Mike Thomas addressed the media first and talked about the positive direction the meeting had. The practice facilities are already in the works and should be completed within the time table. Expansion of Nippert Stadium is a much larger project, but Mr. Thomas said that the need for expansion is understood by the leaders of the University.
Two years ago when Brian Kelly was being hired for the UC job the same four people met in an airport hanger in Michigan and the discussion was the same. The only difference is, back then it was a five year plan. By winning the Big East the time table has been moved up a few years. Either way Coach Kelly was happy enough with what was being said two years ago to take the job, and today he was happy enough with what he heard to stay.
Along with keeping Coach Kelly most fans want to keep Nippert Stadium. Future expansion of the stadium is definitely part of the plan. In his travels Mike Thomas has been involved with major stadium projects at Virginia and Akron. Coach Kelly says that Mike Thomas is the right man at the right time for this project.
After an opening speech about staying at UC more questions surfaced. Coach Kelly said that his representation has made it clear that he was not entertaining any offers, but what about Notre Dame? What if they come calling?
Bottom line is that it's a great day for UC football. Brian Kelly is committed to UC as long as it's leadership is committed to him and what he wants to get done. The fans should be as enthused with the leaders at UC as they are the football team. Mike Thomas, Nancy Zimpher, and Jeff Wyler should be commended for backing up what they promised Coach Kelly when they hired him.
Mike Thomas addressed the media first and talked about the positive direction the meeting had. The practice facilities are already in the works and should be completed within the time table. Expansion of Nippert Stadium is a much larger project, but Mr. Thomas said that the need for expansion is understood by the leaders of the University.
Two years ago when Brian Kelly was being hired for the UC job the same four people met in an airport hanger in Michigan and the discussion was the same. The only difference is, back then it was a five year plan. By winning the Big East the time table has been moved up a few years. Either way Coach Kelly was happy enough with what was being said two years ago to take the job, and today he was happy enough with what he heard to stay.
Along with keeping Coach Kelly most fans want to keep Nippert Stadium. Future expansion of the stadium is definitely part of the plan. In his travels Mike Thomas has been involved with major stadium projects at Virginia and Akron. Coach Kelly says that Mike Thomas is the right man at the right time for this project.
After an opening speech about staying at UC more questions surfaced. Coach Kelly said that his representation has made it clear that he was not entertaining any offers, but what about Notre Dame? What if they come calling?
Bottom line is that it's a great day for UC football. Brian Kelly is committed to UC as long as it's leadership is committed to him and what he wants to get done. The fans should be as enthused with the leaders at UC as they are the football team. Mike Thomas, Nancy Zimpher, and Jeff Wyler should be commended for backing up what they promised Coach Kelly when they hired him.
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